1959
THE UNITED STATES AIR FORCE, THE CONVAIR DIVISION OF GENERAL DYNAMICS CORPORATION AND SPACE TECHNOLOGY LABORATORIES, INC.
For developing, testing, producing and putting into operation the Atlas, America's first intercontinental ballistic missile so vital to the security and space exploration needs of the United States and the free world.
1958
THE UNITED STATES AIR FORCE AND INDUSTRY TEAM RESPONSIBLE FOR THE F-104 INTERCEPTOR: CLARENCE L. JOHNSON OF LOCKHEED AIRCRAFT CORPORATION FOR THE DESIGN OF THE AIRFRAME; NEIL BURGESS AND GERHARD NEUMANN OF THE FLIGHT PROPULSION DIVISION; GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
For development of its J-79 turbo jet engines; Major Howard C. Johnson, USAF for establishing a world land plane altitude record of 91,243 Feet; and Captain Walter W. Irwin, USAF, for establishing a world straightaway speed record of 1,404.09 miles per hour.
1957
EDWARD P. CURTIS
For his report entitled "Aviation Facilities Planning," which represented a dramatic advance in the field of long-range planning to meet the complex problems involved in the use by aircraft of our air space.
1956
CHARLES J. MCCARTHY AND ASSOCIATES OF CHANCE-VOUGHT AIRCRAFT, INCORPORATED AND TO VICE ADMIRAL JAMES S. RUSSELL & ASSOCIATES OF THE U.S. NAVY BUREAU OF AERONAUTICS
For conception, design, and development of the F-8U Crusader, a carrier-based fighter which is the first operational aircraft capable of speeds exceeding one thousand miles an hour.
1955
WILLIAM M. ALLEN AND HIS ASSOCIATES AT BOEING AIRPLANE COMPANY
For conception, development and quantity production of America''s first all-jet, long-range bomber, the Boeing B-52 stratofortress.
GENERAL NATHAN F. TWINING AND THE U.S. AIR FORCE
For sponsoring and making it operational in 1955 as a powerful weapon of peace.
1954
RICHARD TRAVIS WHITCOMB, NACA RESEARCH SCIENTIST
For discovery and experimental verification of the area rule, a contribution to base knowledge yielding significantly higher airplane speed and greater range with same power
1953
JAMES H. KINDELBERGER
For the North American land-based F-100.
EDWARD H. HEINEMANN
For the Douglas carrier-based F4D.
1952
LEONARD S. HOBBS OF UNITED AIRCRAFT CORP.
For design, development, and production of the J-57 jet engine.
1951
JOHN STACK AND ASSOCIATES AT LANGLEY AERONAUTICAL LABORATORY, NACA
For the conception, development, and practical application of the transonic wind tunnel throat.
1950
THE HELICOPTER INDUSTRY, THE MILITARY SERVICES, AND THE COAST GUARD
For development and use of rotary-wing aircraft for air rescue operations.
